Sustainable Agri-food Fellow, Alinnea, Sustainability Transition Hub (Sustainability Office)

Are you interested in joining a dynamic and international team of professionals to transform education? IE University Sustainability Transition Hub is looking for a Sustainable Agri-food Fellow  to join its team! 

Alinnea aims to accelerate climate action in Spain and globally through facilitation and dialogue between different actors. Its work focuses on climate action, including the sustainability of cities, green reindustrialization (including renewable energy, electrification of mobility, and circular economy), and the transformation of the food systems.

To this end, Alinnea wishes to expand its team with the inclusion of a professional specialized in agri-food systems and their intersection with the climate agenda. This person will contribute to advancing Alinnea’s objectives in promoting a resilient, decarbonized, and inclusive food value chain through research, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.

The candidate must have at least 6 years of experience working on the climate agenda, either from a public policy development perspective, business strategy development, or in conducting research work.

We are particularly looking for someone with solid expertise in the agri-food sector, ideally combined with cross-sectoral experience in areas linked to the climate agenda (mobility, industry, energy, finance, and others).

Why IE University?

Every story begins with a purpose, and ours has always been about people. Founded in 1973, IE University has continuously raised the bar to drive positive change through education. We believe education is more than a path to professional success; it is a catalyst for personal transformation and meaningful impact. 

At IE University, we place people and their potential at the center of everything we do, empowering individuals to become extraordinary. We encourage bold thinking and foster a culture where innovation, curiosity, and courage lead to real-world impact. Together, we create an environment where talent thrives, and ideas shape the future. 

Our mission 

We support students in developing impact skills to live and lead with positive impact. This ignites a ripple effect: We transform people, who then transform others, systems, society, and, ultimately, our world.  

Our Purpose

To foster positive change.  

Values  

1. Cultivate the humanistic approach.  
2. Empower your entrepreneurial spirit 
3. Cherish the diversity of people, mind, and experience 
4. Drive innovation with a proactive mindset

We are looking for a person to join a full-time position in Madrid - IE Tower. The contract is for a 2 years project.

Your role as Sustainable Agri-food Fellow will involve:

1. Research & Analysis

• Conduct policy research and analysis on sustainable agri-food systems, including climate impacts, innovation models, regenerative agriculture, and circularity.
• Track and synthesize EU regulations and initiatives (e.g., Farm to Fork Strategy, Common Agricultural Policy, ETS2) related to food system transformation.
• Analyze emerging financial instruments such as carbon farming and climate-resilient investment models.

2. Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement

• Identify and map stakeholders across the agri-food value chain, including producers, cooperatives, retailers, research institutions, and policymakers.
• Facilitate consultations and co-creation processes with actors from the private sector, public administration, and civil society.

3. Policy Development & Coordination

• Draft evidence-based policy briefs and position papers to support climate-aligned food policies.
• Coordinate with partners such as BC3, IDDRI, Cajamar, EU food policy networks, and others.
• Support alignment with EU and Spanish legislative frameworks, including the regulation on carbon removals and corporate sustainability due diligence.

4. Advocacy & Strategic Communication

• Contribute to Alinnea’s advocacy strategy targeting EU and national institutions.
• Develop communication materials for public dissemination (policy briefs, reports, presentations).
• Represent Alinnea in working groups and policy dialogue events at national and EU levels.

5. Coordination with Alinnea Working Groups

• Co-lead thematic sessions within the Alinnea Taskforce on the agri-food sector.
• Support the development of “solutions roadmaps” with actionable, multi-stakeholder recommendations.
• Work closely with the Communication & Advocacy Manager and the Director to ensure coherence with Alinnea’s overall strategy.
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To thrive in this role, you should have: 

Academic background

• Professional in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Economics, International Relations or related fields, with Master’s studies in food systems, environmental policy and economics, sustainable agriculture, clean industry, sustainable finance, climate change, and related areas.
• Excellent knowledge of Spanish and English (written and spoken, minimum C1). Other languages will be considered an asset.

Other knowledge

Knowledge in the following subjects will be an asset:

• Strong understanding of recent policy and debates in Spain, at the EU level, and globally (UNFCCC Agenda) on climate change, sustainable food systems, land use, water management, energy transition, just transition and the 2030 Agenda.
• Technology development in sustainable agriculture, food processing, agri-tech innovations, industry, and the circular economy.
• Necessary investments and the role of the private sector in accelerating climate action and sustainable food systems, particularly regarding incentives to promote its active role.
• Knowledge of common communication tools for professional presentations, including major AI-based applications.
• Experience with programs for data analysis (Power BI, R, etc.).

Professional Experience

• Advanced degree in Agricultural Economics, Environmental Policy, Agronomy, Engeneiring, or related field.
• At least 6 years of experience in agri-food systems, climate policy, sustainability research, or advocacy.
• Proven knowledge of EU policies on agriculture, sustainability, and climate action.
• Strong writing, research, and coordination skills.
• Experience in multistakeholder processes and policy engagement.
• Fluency in English required; Spanish strongly preferred.

It’s time to bring your best and make your mark. Now the choice is yours!

If you’re excited about joining a dynamic space where creativity and innovation drive learning, we’d love to hear from you!

We invite you to apply and be part of our amazing team at IE University.

At IE University, we actively promote equal opportunities in recruitment processes and access to employment, always ensuring the absence of gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, ethnic origin, or disability bias throughout the entire selection process.